All George D. Maziarz's Contenthttp://www.nysenate.gov/senator/george-d-maziarz/content
enTax relief coming this fallhttp://www.nysenate.gov/press-release/tax-relief-coming-fall
<p>With so many hardworking families having a challenging time making ends meet, I have consistently made family tax relief one of my top priorities.&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">That is why I am pleased to inform you about some of the new tax relief measures I’ve championed that will soon be helping local families throughout our region.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;"><br /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;"><strong>$350 Family Tax Relief Checks</strong></span></p>
<p>In the coming weeks, thousands of local families with children will begin receiving a $350 check in the mail. These family tax relief checks, which are designed to help families cope with the rising cost of raising a child, will provide more than $400 million in direct tax relief to hard working New York families.</p>
<p>We all know that the costs associated with raising a family continue to increase. Whether you see that increase in the amount you pay for clothing, school supplies or child care, I am committed to providing tax relief to help families with their unique obligations.</p>
<p>You do not need to apply to receive a check. If eligible, you will automatically be mailed a check from the State Department of Taxation and Finance. You are eligible for 2014 if, on your 2012 state tax return, you:</p>
<p>• were a NYS resident the entire year;</p>
<p>• claimed at least one child under age 17 as a dependent;</p>
<p>• had NYS adjusted gross income between $40,000 and $300,000; and</p>
<p>• had a state tax liability after credits that was zero or greater.</p>
<p>In 2015 and 2016, you will claim the Family Tax Relief Credit when you file your income tax return, with eligibility based on the return you file.</p>
<p>For more information, contact the State Department of Taxation and Finance at <a href="http://www.tax.ny.gov" title="http://www.tax.ny.gov">http://www.tax.ny.gov</a> and search for “Family Tax Relief Credit.”</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>New Property Tax Rebate Check</strong></p>
<p>My Senate colleagues and I approved an important new initiative that will encourage local governments and school districts to operate efficiently, and hold the line on tax increases. In return, local homeowners in these communities will soon be receiving a new property tax rebate check in the mail.</p>
<p>Homeowners in school districts that complied with the state’s Property Tax Cap will be eligible to receive a rebate check for their primary residence, as long as total household income is $500,000 or less. The rebate checks will vary in size, based upon what you paid in school taxes last year and the increase you see from your local school district for the coming school year.</p>
<p>In the second year of the program, homeowners will be eligible for rebate checks based upon school districts and local governments that adhere to the Property Tax Cap and also submit a plan to the state to reduce their costs by consolidating services. These consolidations will benefit taxpayers in the future by using tax dollars more efficiently.</p>
<p>For more information on the Property Tax Rebate program, contact the State Department of Taxation and Finance at <a href="http://www.tax.ny.gov" title="www.tax.ny.gov">www.tax.ny.gov</a> and search for “Property Tax Freeze Credit.”.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Record Funding for STAR (School Tax Relief Program)</strong></p>
<p>This year, $3.4 billion was provided to help fully fund STAR and Enhanced STAR – two outstanding programs which deliver major tax relief to millions of middle class families and seniors each year. The STAR program helps make home ownership more affordable and allows senior citizens to stay in their homes and communities.</p>
<p>Basic STAR works by exempting $30,000 of the full value of a home from school taxes, with the state reimbursing local school districts to ensure the continuation of quality education programs. To be eligible for Basic STAR, you must:</p>
<p>• own and live in a one, two or three family home or condominium, co-op, mobile home or farm and use it as your primary residence; and</p>
<p>• have a household income of $500,000 or less.</p>
<p>To be eligible as a senior citizen for Enhanced STAR, which exempts $64,200 of the full value of your home, you must:</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">• be 65 years or age or older (for multiple owner households, only one person needs to meet the age requirement); and</span></p>
<p>• have a household income of $83,300 or less (this can vary each year based upon Social Security cost of living adjustments).</p>
<p>Those seniors who are not eligible for Enhanced STAR because of the income limitation are still eligible to receive Basic STAR. For more information on the STAR program and how it affects you, contact your local assessor’s office.</p>
<p>Each of these measures will help to ensure that hardworking New Yorkers and their families will see meaningful tax relief this year -- helping them save, invest in their futures, and pursue their dreams and aspirations.&nbsp;</p>
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<span class="date-display-single">Wed, 09/17/2014</span> </div>
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TaxesWed, 17 Sep 2014 19:08:08 +0000Adam Tabelski246701 at http://www.nysenate.govJoint Statement from Senator George Maziarz, Assemblywoman Jane Corwin, and Lockport Mayor Anne McCaffreyhttp://www.nysenate.gov/press-release/joint-statement-senator-george-maziarz-assemblywoman-jane-corwin-and-lockport-mayor-an
<p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Sans Serif', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0.5in; background-color: #ffffff;">As state and local representatives, it is our responsibility to fight for the best interests of the people of our community.&nbsp; Eastern Niagara Hospital has experienced financial difficulties that have forced the organization to explore downsizing proposals ranging from the reduction of service to fully closing the Newfane Hospital.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Sans Serif', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0.5in; background-color: #ffffff;">These proposed changes in service will no doubt have a lasting impact on our community, and while ENH is a private not-for-profit organization, it is the responsibility of a health care facility that serves our community to ensure that residents have timely access to emergency and general health services.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Sans Serif', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0.5in; background-color: #ffffff;">We are calling on ENH to conduct a full and independent Community Impact Statement based on any plan that would alter the range of services that the Newfane Hospital provides.&nbsp; In addition, we strongly encourage the ENH board to make public any current data that shows the impact to the community based on proposals to close or diminish services.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Sans Serif', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0.5in; background-color: #ffffff;">Like many residents in our community, we are concerned that this restructuring could have a negative impact on the Lockport facility as well.&nbsp; It is our desire to find solutions and offer recommendations that will lead to a stronger ENH system.&nbsp; Our hospital is vital to the quality of life for our residents.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Sans Serif', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0.5in; background-color: #ffffff;">We will be reaching out to the acting NYS Health Commissioner, Howard Zucker M.D., J.D., in addition to the Public Health and Health Planning Council, urging them to remember the best interests of the people of Niagara County when considering any potential change of service for the ENH Newfane site or the Lockport facility.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Sans Serif', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0.5in; background-color: #ffffff;">We will continue to work with ENH to accommodate their needs in an evolving market, however an open dialogue and transparent process while moving forward is critical to maintaining services and will help ensure the future ENH facilities in Niagara County.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Sans Serif', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">&nbsp;</span></p>
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HospitalsWed, 06 Aug 2014 13:37:15 +0000Adam Tabelski243846 at http://www.nysenate.govUnder Senate Republican leadership, chamber operations spending comes in $7 million under budgethttp://www.nysenate.gov/press-release/under-senate-republican-leadership-chamber-operations-spending-comes-7-million-under-b
<p>Senate Republicans have delivered big budget savings to hard-working New York taxpayers over the last year - - bringing total chamber spending in at nearly $7 million under budget.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">The figures were released today as part of the Senate’s most recent public Expenditure Report, which details all aspects of actual spending within the chamber for the six-month period from October 1, 2013 through March 31, 2014. &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">“Our responsible leadership of the New York State Senate continues to be very beneficial to hard-working taxpayers and their families. &nbsp;Since 2011, we’ve made a conscious effort to do more with less and placed increased scrutiny on all of our expenditures. &nbsp;As a result, we’re spending less and returning to taxpayers more of their hard-earned money,” Senate Republican Leader Dean G. Skelos said.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">“The philosophy of Senate Republicans has always been to rightsize government and to spend money wisely, as if it were their own. There is a sharp distinction between the Republicans, who significantly underspent their budget allocation, and the Democrats, who significantly overspent their budget when they briefly controlled the Senate. &nbsp;Republicans practice what they preach - fiscal responsibility. This is why it is so important that this November, voters help Republicans retain the majority in the New York State Senate, for the good of the taxpayer,” Senator John A. DeFrancisco, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee said.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">The wise fiscal stewardship practiced by Senate Republicans since they were put back in charge of the Senate has been striking, and stands in stark contrast to the chronic overspending and fiscal mismanagement that characterized the New York City-led Senate Democrats during their brief yet disastrous two-year run in charge of the body.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">In 2009-10 and 2010-11, Democrats wildly overspent their budget by $5.7 million and $7.7 million, respectively, and bloated the Senate payroll with hundreds of political hires - - spending a whopping $13 million more on staff than was budgeted. &nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">During that dark period in our state’s history, Senate Democrats raised taxes by $14 billion, including the job-killing MTA payroll tax and an onerous new energy surcharge, and eliminated the STAR rebate checks for seniors and homeowners across the state. As a direct result of their overspending, Democrats left a $10 billion structural budget deficit for Republicans to fix.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">The 303-page Expenditure Report released today shows $85.1 million in disbursements for state fiscal year 2013-14, an increase of less than two percent over the last year, and $6.8 million or 7.4 percent under the Senate’s budgeted amount.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">“We’ve made significant progress toward rightsizing our budget so the state no longer spends more than taxpayers can afford. &nbsp;However, all of our progress can be erased in an instant if the New York City Democrats are handed the keys to the Senate and team up with Mayor de Blasio and the radical Working Families Party to enact their fiscally irresponsible tax-and-spend agenda on the people of New York State,” Senator Skelos concluded.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">The entire Senate Expenditure Report can be found here:</span></p>
<p><a href="http://www.nysenate.gov/expenditure-report-period-ending-3-31-2014">http://www.nysenate.gov/expenditure-report-period-ending-3-31-2014</a></p>
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SessionThu, 31 Jul 2014 18:00:38 +0000Adam Tabelski243411 at http://www.nysenate.govWayne Hale of Medina named to Canal Recreationway Commissionhttp://www.nysenate.gov/press-release/wayne-hale-medina-named-canal-recreationway-commission
<p>Senator George Maziarz is pleased to announced that Wayne Hale of Medina has been appointed by Governor Andrew Cuomo to serve as a member of the New York State Canal Recreationway Commission. &nbsp;Hale has worked as Director of the Orleans County Planning and Development Department since 1986, Tourism Project Director for Orleans County’s I Love NY Program since 1992, and Manager of the Orleans County Marine Park since 1998.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">Senator Maziarz said, “Wayne is a consummate professional who is widely respected across the state for his experience and wisdom relating to tourism and planning matters. &nbsp;He will be a great Orleans County voice and I was proud to recommend him for appointment to this important panel.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">Hale said, “I’m deeply gratified that Senator Maziarz considered me for nomination as a Commission member. &nbsp;This is a capstone event in my 31 year career at the Orleans County Planning Department. &nbsp;We’ve lead sizable efforts in planning, development, and promotion of the Erie Canal, locally and regionally, and my appointment brings the prospect of applying that experience to a new and greater challenge.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">The Canal Recreationway Commission maintains and revises the Canal Recreationway Plan and makes recommendations to the Thruway Authority, Canal Corporation, and state leaders concerning the future of the canal system.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">Passionate as he is about canal and tourism matters, Hale has been active with the Genesee/Finger Lakes Region Erie Canal Corridor Plan, Seaway Trail National Scenic Byway, the New York State Heritage Areas Advisory Council, Western New York Canal Coalition, Canal New York Marketing and Business Alliance, and several other groups.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">Hale’s term as Canal Recreationway Commission member expires on March 23, 2017. &nbsp;For more information about the commission, visit http://www.canals.ny.gov/news/crc/.</span></p>
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Recreation and TourismWed, 16 Jul 2014 18:22:34 +0000Adam Tabelski242366 at http://www.nysenate.govStatement from Senator George Maziarzhttp://www.nysenate.gov/press-release/statement-senator-george-maziarz-0
<blockquote style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 35.1pt 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;">“It is no secret to my family and close friends that I have been considering retirement from the State Legislature for the last five years. And as I geared up for another long campaign season, I realized I just did not have the passion and commitment that I have had in the past to see it through.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 35.1pt 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 35.1pt 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;">“People will ask me why now and the simple answer is there is never the perfect time to step away. I had the honor of following the late John Daly into the State Senate. I remember him telling me when he left the Senate it was simply time for the next generation of leaders in the Legislature. After nearly two decades in office, I fully understand what he meant and feel that way today.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 35.1pt 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 35.1pt 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;">“My second daughter gets married this summer and that is a much bigger priority for me than another grueling campaign. My family has sacrificed enough for my public service through the years and I cannot ask for any more.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 35.1pt 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 35.1pt 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;">“To the people of Niagara, Orleans and Monroe counties who I have had the pleasure to represent since 1995, I extend my heart felt appreciation for your continued support. I always told people that being your Senator was the greatest job in the world, one I dedicated myself to 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We accomplished great things and I did my best to help my constituents with any problem…big or small. Thank you for giving a kid from North Tonawanda the chance to fulfill his dream of serving in the State Senate.”</p>
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MiscellaneousMon, 14 Jul 2014 14:47:01 +0000Adam Tabelski242196 at http://www.nysenate.govSenator Maziarz and colleagues release plan to make key investments with BNP Paribas settlementhttp://www.nysenate.gov/press-release/senator-maziarz-and-colleagues-release-plan-make-key-investments-bnp-paribas-settlemen
<p>Senate Republicans today launched a bold and far-reaching plan to invest over $3 billion from the BNP Paribas bank settlement, return money to hardworking taxpayers and keep New York State moving forward. &nbsp;This comprehensive and fiscally responsible budgeting approach will accelerate planned tax cuts to give New Yorkers the relief they need and deserve as soon as possible, make key infrastructure investments to create new jobs across the state and provide historic assistance to local schools and property taxpayers.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">Senator George Maziarz (R-C, Newfane) said, “New York must win from this windfall. &nbsp;To that end, our Senate conference is putting forward a balanced plan to use the settlement funds so they will have lasting impacts on our state: reducing the tax burden, investing in our infrastructure, and strengthening education.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">The Senate Republican's plan, which follows the recent announcement of two major credit rating upgrades for the state, is designed to further strengthen New York's overall fiscal integrity. Given the one-time, non-recurring nature of the settlement funds, the plan avoids wasteful, new and recurring expenditures. Instead, the plan makes long-term investments in New York's infrastructure, while also prudently accelerating scheduled tax reductions and spending commitments.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">The windfall also allows Senate Republicans to continue rolling back the economic damage caused by the disastrous two-year reign of the New York City Democrats in 2009-10.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">During their brief stint in the majority, Senate Democrats raised taxes by $14 billion, enacted the job-killing MTA payroll tax, took away STAR rebate checks for seniors and homeowners, put in place a new energy surcharge, cut aid to Long Island, New York City, Hudson Valley and Upstate schools, and left a massive $10 billion structural budget deficit.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p>Working in a bipartisan manner, Senate Republicans have reversed much of that devastation, but there is still significant work to be done - - work that would be sped up by the wise utilization of these funds.&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">Specifically, the Senate Republican Conference's plan includes the following three components:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">1. Accelerate Tax Relief for New Yorkers: Senate Republicans have always led the effort to deliver comprehensive tax relief to increase economic opportunities and help hardworking New Yorkers succeed. &nbsp;The Senate Republicans’ new initiative will provide significant new tax relief to millions of overburdened taxpayers, with a major focus on undoing some of the damage caused by the 124 new tax and fee increases that were enacted when Senate Democrats controlled the chamber. &nbsp;Over the past four years, Senate Republicans have made great strides in rolling back many of these onerous taxes; the BNP settlement funds provide the opportunity to further expedite elimination of the Senate Democrat-initiated tax increases. These tax cuts will include the immediate elimination of the Senate Democrats’ 18-a energy tax increase, a continued phase-out of the Senate Democrats’ MTA payroll tax, and additional property tax relief to replace the STAR rebate checks eliminated by Senate Democrats, among others. &nbsp; &nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">2. Investing in New York's Infrastructure: The Senate Republicans’ plan will help create thousands of new jobs by committing most of the funds to major new investments in New York State's infrastructure. From rebuilding local roads and bridges, to enhancing local college campuses, to key environmental initiatives, such as clean water projects and sewer upgrades in communities across the state, the Senate Republicans’ plan will provide both short and long-term economic benefits throughout New York State. &nbsp;The Senate Republicans’ infrastructure plan will also be regionally balanced, and will help to address some of the damage caused by the Senate Democrats' unfair capital investment programs, which consistently shortchanged entire regions, such as Long Island and Upstate New York, by eliminating the 5-year road and bridge capital plan. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">3. &nbsp;Helping Local Schools and Property Taxpayers: The Senate Republican plan will be beneficial for our schools, our children and local property taxpayers across the state. &nbsp;A particular emphasis will be placed on accelerating the complete elimination of the damaging and highly controversial Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA). &nbsp;The GEA – a multi-year, multi-billion dollar budget-cutting scheme enacted by Senate Democrats in 2010 - - has severely impacted hundreds of school districts and millions of property taxpayers throughout the state. &nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">The Senate Republican plan would fulfill the promise to eliminate the $1 billion left of this unfair Senate Democrat ruse. &nbsp;The plan would also support the scheduled school aid increases we approved this year in the state budget, which will help keep local property taxes down. &nbsp;Once again, our plan provides regional balance, in stark contrast to the approach taken when Senate Democrats disproportionately slashed funding from schools in Upstate New York, the Hudson Valley and on Long Island.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">New York’s over $3 billion share is part of an overall $9 billion settlement paid by French Bank BNP Paribas, resulting from repeated violations of U.S. sanctions. &nbsp;</span></p>
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MiscellaneousMon, 07 Jul 2014 21:21:39 +0000Adam Tabelski241811 at http://www.nysenate.govCouncilman inducted into state Hall of Famehttp://www.nysenate.gov/news/councilman-inducted-state-hall-fame
<h2 style="color: #000000; font-family: Garamond, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><em style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">By Michael Regan michael.regan@tonawanda-news.com</em><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">&nbsp;</span></h2>
<p style="color: #000000; font-family: Garamond, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"><strong>The Tonawanda News</strong></p>
<p style="color: #000000; font-family: Garamond, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">Tonawanda News — North Tonawanda Alderman-At-Large Bob Clark was officially recognized during a city council meeting Tuesday for his induction into the New York State Senate’s Veterans Hall of Fame.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="color: #000000; font-family: Garamond, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">Clark, who has served in four branches of the United States Armed Services, has spent more than four decades in the military. He began his career with the Navy in Vietnam in the 1960s, where he received a Bronze Star and Purple Heart.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="color: #000000; font-family: Garamond, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">He then went on to the New York Air National Guard, during which he was on the ground in New York City following the 9/11 attacks, as well as a tour in Iraq as a medic. He retired as a chief master sergeant with the U.S. Air Force. All told, Clark’s military involvement extends to the U.S. Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="color: #000000; font-family: Garamond, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">He was approached by state Sen. George Maziarz earlier this year, who told Clark that he had nominated the long-time veteran for the induction.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="color: #000000; font-family: Garamond, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">“Sen. Maziarz took me and said ‘I put you up for this and it’s going to happen,’” Clark recalled, following the meeting.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="color: #000000; font-family: Garamond, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">Maziarz was on hand Tuesday for the presentation of a plaque, which will now hang in City Hall. Mayor Rob Ortt, who is also a veteran, said he first met Clark just after he was first elected to the mayorship.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="color: #000000; font-family: Garamond, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">“He’s given the bulk of his life to serving his country,” Ortt said. “He is a great man, he is a leader. He is a great voice for veterans and a great voice for our community.”&nbsp;</p>
<p style="color: #000000; font-family: Garamond, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">Clark was selected among a group of 50 veterans for the slate of 2014 inductees. He remains involved with several military groups including the U.S. Navy Seabees, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the Marine Corp League and the Vietnam Veterans of America.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="color: #000000; font-family: Garamond, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">“I was humbled when they told me about it,” he said. “There isn’t a veteran out there who doesn’t deserve this award.”&nbsp;</p>
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VeteransThu, 03 Jul 2014 14:09:28 +0000Adam Tabelski241496 at http://www.nysenate.govEnergy chair pushes Cuomo on Finger Lakes propane storagehttp://www.nysenate.gov/news/energy-chair-pushes-cuomo-finger-lakes-propane-storage
<h2><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">By Scott Waldman 3:13 p.m. | Jul. 1, 2014 - Capital NY</span></h2>
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<p>ALBANY—The chair of the State Senate's energy committee is urging Gov. Andrew Cuomo to make a decision on propane storage facility in the Finger Lakes after five years of delay.</p>
<p>Senator George Maziarz of Niagara sent a letter to Cuomo and&nbsp;<a style="color: #1155cc;" href="http://link.capitalnewyork.com/52f507e72c67717d71f001a553b308575bd7174b43000328/U7MIT8PoR_lgcPghAacf9" target="_blank">to state Department of Environmental Conservation commissioner Joe Martens</a>&nbsp;urging them to make a final decision on the facility, which would store propane in salt caverns. Maziarz said the D.E.C. staff assigned to the project completed a review a year ago and recommended approval. The D.E.C.'s central office is now needlessly sitting on the issuing of the final underground storage permit, he contends.</p>
<p>“It has been nearly five years since the project's sponsor submitted its application,” Maziarz wrote. “The length of this delay cannot be justified. Unfortunately, consumers, businesses and local taxing jurisdictions are paying the price for the Department's inaction.”</p>
<p>A&nbsp;<a style="color: #1155cc;" href="http://link.capitalnewyork.com/52f507e72c67717d71f001a553b308575bd7174b43000328/Uvp_TMJSP3wM-AGlA84ee" target="_blank">severe propane shortage in the Northeast</a>&nbsp;caused prices to spike more than 50 percent and cost more than $100 million. The Finger Lakes storage facility would create a major new hub for propane storage in the Northeast. Maziarz said those most affected by the dramatic spikes were largely rural residents and businesses who could least afford it.</p>
<p>The Schuyler County legislature, where the facility is located, recently passed a resolution supporting the facility. It would add more than $20 million to the local tax base, which would fund much-needed infrastructure projects, according to the legislature's resolution.</p>
<p>A similar facility located next door&nbsp;<a style="color: #1155cc;" href="http://link.capitalnewyork.com/52f507e72c67717d71f001a553b308575bd7174b43000328/U3nOTcPo2qQTMH1EA4a7a" target="_blank">was approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission</a>. The underground storage facility is located near Seneca Lake and has housed gas 2,000 feet underground for about 40 years. In May, federal regulators granted approval to Houston-based Crestwood Midstream Partners to expand the project from 1.5 billion cubic feet to 2 billion cubic feet, enough to heat 20,000 homes.</p>
<p>In both cases, the caverns are filled with salty water that must be pumped out in order to pump gas in. That water must then be stored in brine pools near the lake, which environmentalists are concerned could leak and cause pollution.</p>
<p>Maziarz contends that federal regulators used that approval to reject claims made by opponents that the propane storage facility would case safety and environmental risks. Other salt formations in the region have used facilities that have operated safely for decades.</p>
<p>The state's inaction does not square with Cuomo's efforts to draw more businesses to the economically depressed areas of upstate, Maziarz wrote.</p>
<p>“The truth is, we cannot say that New York is truly 'Open for Business' when a company offers to construct a project to the most rigorous design and environmental standards possible (to Staff's satisfaction, apparently), but the State fails to take a position on the project for almost five years,” he wrote.</p>
<p>Maziarz has asked the state to set a deadline for the review and to request any remaining information that may be needed.</p>
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EnergyTelecommunicationsTue, 01 Jul 2014 19:40:24 +0000Adam Tabelski241341 at http://www.nysenate.govIn light of Court of Appeals ruling, banning equate should move forwardhttp://www.nysenate.gov/press-release/light-court-appeals-ruling-banning-equate-should-move-forward
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">In the wake of today’s ruling by the New York State Court of Appeals that upheld the right of towns to use zoning laws to ban hydraulic fracturing, Senator George Maziarz, Assemblyman John Ceretto, and local grassroots leaders Monica Daigler and Julie Otto called on the Towns of Wheatfield, Pendleton, Lewiston, Cambria, Wilson, and Newfane to approve a ban on the spreading or injection of equate, the Quasar-produced fertilizer made from human waste from sewer sludge.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">“Today’s ruling demonstrates that the Court of Appeals will give wide deference to home rule authority as it relates to banning practices that local governments consider to be harmful,” Senator Maziarz said. </span><span style="font-size: 16px;">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 16px;">“Before today’s decision, towns in Niagara County were justifiably concerned that passing an outright ban on the spreading of equate would not hold up in court. Today’s decision opens a major door, and therefore I call on all of the affected Towns to pass a local law banning the spreading or injection of equate produced from sewer sludge immediately.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Assemblyman Ceretto said, “We have been in constant contact with concerned residents and local officials trying to find a solution to this problem.</span><span style="font-size: 16px;">&nbsp; </span><span style="font-size: 16px;">The action we are proposing today is a real and final solution that will protect the health and safety of our community.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Senator Maziarz and Assemblyman Ceretto have vigorously opposed plans by Quasar Energy to spread and inject equate derived from human waste on local farm fields and to construct a large storage tank. </span><span style="font-size: 16px;">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 16px;">They previously called on the Department of Environmental Conservation to revoke Quasar’s permits and are working with the Niagara County IDA to revoke the company’s PILOT agreement due to the company’s failure to disclose key facts on its application.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Community Leader Julie Otto said, “ I join with Senator Maziarz and Assemblyman Ceretto in calling on all of the effected Towns in Niagara County to pass a full ban on the spreading or injection of human waste derived equate. This material is dangerous to our children and threatens public health and the only responsible action is to ban it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Community Leader Monica Daigler said, “ I see no difference between the movement to ban hydrofracking and the movement to ban pathogen-laden equate. </span><span style="font-size: 16px;">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 16px;">With today’s ruling, the Court is saying loudly and clearly that a local government can ban practices that it believes threaten its citizens safety and health. </span><span style="font-size: 16px;">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 16px;">Equate does exactly that, so we must move swiftly to ban it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Senator Maziarz and Assemblyman Ceretto have been a supporter of safe natural gas drilling, and are not endorsing the substance of this particular Court of Appeals ruling-merely the precedent that it establishes as it relates to the power of municipal home rule.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">“Quasar was not counting on this ruling today, and I am sure that its team of lawyers are currently searching for a loophole within it,” said Maziarz. </span><span style="font-size: 16px;">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 16px;">“I believe, however, that the court spoke loudly today, and therefore we need to act immediately to stop Quasar in its tracks, firm in our belief that the will of the people of Niagara County will be upheld in a court of law.”</span></p>
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EnvironmentMon, 30 Jun 2014 19:08:59 +0000Adam Tabelski241246 at http://www.nysenate.govSenators to NYPA: Get back to the tablehttp://www.nysenate.gov/press-release/senators-nypa-get-back-table-0
<p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">State Senators Patty Ritchie, Joe Griffo and George Maziarz, the Chair of</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">the State Senate’s Energy Committee, &nbsp;today joined together to call on the</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">New York Power Authority to get back to the table, after NYPA abruptly</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">ended talks on benefits to local communities impacted by &nbsp;the sprawling St.</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">Lawrence-FDR power dam.</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;" /><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">“The shoreline communities sacrificed so much to make the St. Lawrence</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">Power Project possible, and the impact is still being felt today,” said</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">Senator Ritchie. “The Power Authority needs to reach a common sense</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">compromise that addresses the needs of these communities, and we are urging</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">that they get back to table to resume negotiations. It’s time to find</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">common ground.”</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;" /><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">“The Power Authority has earned billions of dollars from its operations on</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">the St. Lawrence River, and these communities want nothing more than to be</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">treated fairly,” said Senator Griffo.</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;" /><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">Both Senators Ritchie and Griffo also serve on the Senate Energy Committee.</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;" /><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">“NYPA has an obligation to treat host communities equitably, whether they</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">are in Western or Northern New York,” said Senator Maziarz. “But if NYPA</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">won’t talk, they’re not living up to their end of the deal. It’s time to</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">get back to table and reach an equitable deal for the North Country.”</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;" /><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">Local government leaders and the Power Authority have been conducting a</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">10-year review of the Massena dam’s 2002 relicensing agreement.</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;" /><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">Critics say that deal shortchanged the North Country, compared to a similar</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">relicensing pact between NYPA and Western New York communities located near</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">the utility’s Niagara Project facility, and the differences have cost local</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">communities here millions of dollars.</span></p>
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</fieldset>
<div class="field field-type-number-integer field-field-show-like-button">
<div class="field-label">Show like button:&nbsp;</div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
Display Facebook Like button </div>
</div>
</div>
MiscellaneousEnergyTelecommunicationsMon, 30 Jun 2014 18:08:34 +0000Adam Tabelski241226 at http://www.nysenate.gov